The B20 and Finding Consensus in Challenging Times

For example, the need for faster digital transformation was clearly on everybody’s mind, as 2020 has reinforced the many benefits of technology. But we had to address ways of balancing the digital imperative with worries about the potential for technology to create problems in job markets and possible risks to privacy and security.

And for many years, trade and investments were widely regarded as key drivers of global growth and improved standards of living. Now, while many business leaders are still pushing for removing trade and investment obstacles, government representatives insist on careful wording that reflects a range of points of view and does not rule out certain policies.

Energy, sustainability, and climate were, of course, very complicated matters, too. It was a huge task to find a way to advance the date at which we can reach net-zero emissions while enabling the suppliers of conventional energy to transform themselves in due time. Quite honestly, a lot more work needs to be done to get there.

But despite the difficulties, the results we reached are remarkable—especially in a year of such uncertainty. The goal is not to offer yearly breakthroughs. Instead, we work on a path of steady progress to get a better understanding of the differences and come closer to alignment on key issues in the business community and the world at-large. Through these efforts, we see important results year after year.

BCG will stay involved as a knowledge partner for the next cycle, as Italy takes over the B20 and G20 presidencies from Saudi Arabia beginning December 1, 2020. We are prouder than ever to contribute to multilateral decision making in a world struggling with unprecedented challenges.

Hans-Paul Bürkner
Chairman